Stand Your Ground – EP. 31

Heal • Educate • Empower

Alyssa Hogan

show notes:

Alyssa Hogan is the truest definition of a survivor. Her story is one of tragedy and overcoming.

Alyssa's story, while chilling, offers many gifts. First, we are reminded that knowledge and grit push us through seemingly impossible situations. Secondly, we learn the importance of supporting those you fear may be abuse victims. Finally, your support can, literally, save someone's life.

A story of abuse.

Alyssa’s story of abuse began over a decade ago. Frighteningly, she experienced constant emotional manipulation at the hands of her husband, during her nearly 9-year marriage. His need for extreme control led to frequent, and unfounded, accusations and mistrust. With her children in mind, Alyssa continually returned to the relationship, hoping the situation would change.

Alyssa’s story takes a turn for the worst when verbal and emotional abuse escalated to severe physical violence, exacerbated by alcohol and drug abuse. In a terrifying, physical altercation, Alyssa found herself in the horrifying position of defending her life against her abusive husband. Sadly, this ultimately leading to his death.

Things turn deadly.

Desperate and scared, Alyssa fled her home after the deadly altercation. Completely unaware her husband had been killed, she wandered the neighborhood. Unsurprisingly, she was in complete and utter shock. Eventually, the police found her and she was arrested. Confused, terrified and shaken, Alyssa went to jail where she learned of her husband's death.

Charged with second-degree murder and about to stand trial, Alyssa spent a month in jail. This time provided an opportunity for quiet thinking and reflection. She was able to rebuild her mental reserves and experience period of spiritual awakening.

Bravely, Alyssa worked closely with her attorneys to fight the second-degree murder charge and, ultimately, she was acquitted through the Stand Your Ground Law. This defense was groundbreaking. Up to that point, no one had successfully used Stand Your Ground in domestic violence cases.

Thankfully, she walked away from the courtroom a free woman. The jury saw her story for the tragedy it was. Finally free, she reunited with her children and began the painful process of rebuilding her life.

Not just surviving, she’s thriving.

Alyssa’s experiences as a domestic abuse survivor led her to serve as a guide for other women facing similar situations. Proudly, she now provides coaching and consulting services to women in business. Her thriving company, Alyssa A. Hogan Enterprises, empowers women to experience total transformation throughout their lives. She is also a published author. Her book, 10 Tips for Success in Life & Business, teaches women to strive for success through motivation and shifts in mindset.

As a domestic violence survivor, Alyssa supports Harbor House in Orlando, Florida. The organization aims to provide survivors with resources such as safety plans, counseling, support in the legal system, and a place to stay with their children while fleeing an abusive situation. Thankfully, support and resources like this can make all the difference in the lives of those impacted by domestic violence.